“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.” –Dolly Parton

In Loving Memory of Jan Spiller.

Hi everyone – how was July? From where I sit it seemed like a long month. Looking back at the image I chose for July’s blog – a sailboat on calm waters at sunset – I wonder if there was some subconscious foreshadowing going on. I declared “smooth sailing” in July based on the astrology I interpreted. I do think this was the case but things unfold in ways we can never imagine. At the time I posted my July blog, I didn’t imagine that the peaceful boat at sunset could be a perfect metaphor for a soul’s transition from the earthly plane. But, looking at the image now it seems obvious. Last month, I experienced and saw others experience the loss of loved ones. It seemed that a group of souls were leaving the planet all at once. I haven’t studied the astrology of death enough to know what transits may signify the completion of a life journey. But, I’ve been pondering July’s peaceful astrology and considering how what seems upsetting to those of us on planet Earth could be (and I believe it is!) peaceful, even joyous, to those departing.

On July 11, I received the news that my friend, mentor and employer, Jan Spiller (pictured above) had passed away. Jan Spiller was a world-renowned astrologer, author, speaker, radio personality, and a pioneer in astrology research. Her book, “Astrology for the Soul” about the North Nodes in a birth chart revolutionized astrology and I use her teachings about the Nodes in every chart reading I do. Information about the North Node is always the “show stopper” in any astrology reading. It’s uncanny how Jan absolutely nails it. She is the author of five best-selling books on astrology distributed worldwide and translated into seventeen languages. You’d think someone with her credentials would be too busy to be in close touch with her website team, but that wasn’t the case at all. She took the time to share some of her personal life in every email and ask about how I was doing. When we spoke by phone, it was guaranteed that she’d brighten the communication with her infectious laughter. If I was going through a hard time, she’d look at my birth chart and offer valuable insights. I couldn’t have been more fortunate to work for Jan these past three and half years.

Jan left me with some beautiful gifts. Besides the fact that her training brought my ability to interpret astrology to the next level, she paved the way for me to begin to share my work with a larger audience. It was Jan’s wish to continue her website, janspiller.com so that her legacy could live on. She has entrusted me with the honorable task of writing the horoscopes, forecasts and articles for the site. She wanted the website to be available as a resource for her subscribers for years to come. Additionally, I will be authoring a monthly astrology column that she wrote called, “The Astrological Edge,” for Dell Horoscope Magazine beginning in March of 2017. I’m excited to be able to help Jan’s legacy live on in this way and be able to reach more readers with my writing.

As for August’s astrology, I can say that change is in the air. Potentially July was the calm before the storm, if I am continuing my sailboat analogy. We will experience a Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius on the 18th that will likely be an eye-opener. Aquarius rules the unexpected, unconventional, innovative and often has an electrifying effect. It’s time to revolutionize some aspect of ourselves and our lives. If we’ve been clinging to nostalgia, this eclipse will help to shake us loose so we can move forward for our own good. A little scary? You bet. But a stagnant existence is far more frightening, don’t you think?

As all this new energy is being stirred, we’re preparing to go into a Mercury retrograde cycle starting on August 30th. Because Mercury retrograde has a build up of about two weeks known as the “shadow period,” we may feel it kick in mid-month. It will actually be a nice “brake pedal” for the additional eclipses coming up in September. We may wake up and realize things can’t stay the same. BUT, thanks to Mercury retrograde we won’t be encouraged to do a clean sweep and start completely over. Instead, the days between mid-August and October 5th (two weeks after Mercury stations direct on Sept. 22) will be a powerful time to review our current situation. Mercury will be retrograde in Virgo, which symbolizes attention to detail. We can use Virgo’s discerning energy to decide what we want to keep doing and the best way to do it. Once again, hanging on to a sentimental illusion will likely lose out to practical concerns. It’s ok. Make a scrap book, write down beautiful memories, organize your photos and then prepare to move on to the NOW and FUTURE.

Saturn will station direct on August 13, which will also encourage structure and long-term planning. Saturn Direct will add more “oomph” to the Saturn-Neptune square which will be exact by the end of August. This square offers us the ability to solidify our dreams. In the sign of Pisces, Neptune is reminding us of our higher calling and creative abilities. We can use this powerful transit to transform vague ideas into a realistic plan of action. If we’ve been in denial about our dreams, it is a great time to acknowledge our fears and embrace what we truly want.

Stephanie,
I don’t even know where to start. Sorry for the loss of your mentor. She sounded like a wonderful caring and wise being. Stephanie, I love how you find the good in all situations. What a wise woman you are.

Months ago you told me that July, I was going to experience life beyond my comfort zone, well you nailed it!
After selling my house; I was unsure on where I wanted live, so I lived in the moment. Scary but so liberating. In doing so it led me to began making a life for myself in Eugene. Three days after I arrived I found a cottage house that kept appearing in my mind, I saw it, made an offer, and offer was accepted. I’m thrilled, and boy do I feel free!

So from my heart to yours, I thank you Stephanie for being on the planet and providing me with guidance and support.

Linda, thanks for your kind words. You would have loved Jan, too! She always reminded me to tell people the upcoming challenges, but then, address what they CAN do. There is always something that can be done that is appropriate to the current astrology and knowing that puts people back in the driver’s seat.

Congrats on your house. Eugene sounds like a wonderful home base for you – I imagine you will feel connected to community there. You cottage sounds perfect. Well done!